Hoffman's definition of terrorism

How does Hoffman characterize terrorism?

• ineluctably political in aims and motives;

• violent or threatens violence

• designed to have far-reaching psychological repercussions beyond the immediate victim or target;

• conducted either by an organization with an identifiable chain of command or conspiratorial cell structure or by individuals or a small collection of individuals directly influenced, motivated, or inspired by the ideological aims or example of some existent terrorist movement and/or its leaders; and

• perpetrated by a subnational group or nonstate entity

How do different state agencies define terrorism?

Terrorism is defined depending on the agency’s specific security interests, legal frameworks, and policy objectives.

How was the word ‘terrorism’ popularized during the French Revolution?

Terrorism had a positive connotation and was used during the Reign of Terror to establish order and enforce revolutionary ideals through political violence.

Why is terrorism so difficult to define?

Terrorism is difficult to define because it encompasses a wide range of political violence, motivations, and methods, leading to divergent interpretations based on cultural, legal, and situational contexts.